The UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) convened the 2019-2020 inter-sessional panel on 7-8 November 2019 at Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland to address two priority themes: rapid technological change for inclusive and sustainable development and space technologies for sustainable development. The panel examined two papers prepared by the secretariats of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), namely harnessing rapid technological change for inclusive and sustainable development and exploring space technologies for sustainable development and the benefits of international research collaboration in this context. The first paper provides policy recommendations and key questions regarding a) creating the ecosystem for inclusive and sustainable innovation on frontier technologies, b) providing directionality to technological change and mitigating risks, c) the role of international and interregional cooperation. Key findings and recommendations will be further considered at the 23rd session of the CSTD to be held in March 2020.